Festung will participate in the Joust!
Govannon smiles as things seem to be coming together without too much trouble - or at least nothing that can't be overcome.
He will not participate, though he eyes the combatants greedily, as he's the ultimate arbiter for the contests. He looks forward to the bouts!
Lucius, of course, doesn't participate in such things as fighting. He will watch and give bawdy color commentary with his coterie. His Minkai executioner watches the combatants intently. ("Hmph. One shouldn't need to strike three blows. One would suffice.") The other more martial members of his court (Lucius's sister Helene, Marshall Mouro, and Warden Chen) are still in Carnivalia, keeping the city safe.
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The sign-ins completed, the competitor roster shows as follows:
Lord Jasper Hoff of Brevoy versus Sir Khristel Cotoio of Mivon
Sir Festung of Aredhel versus Sir Briannel Paulson of Gralton
Lady Chantal Urena of Daggermark versus Sir Wilburn Cragsire of Taldor
Sir Terrion Numesti of Drelev versus Damanjot of Tymon
The first match sees the riders clash time and time again, with Lord Hoff eventually managing to just barely unseat Sir Cotoio!
In the second match, Sir Paulson, a seasoned veteran of jousting, manages to unseat Festung in the first pass!
In the third list, Sir Cragsire also unseats Lady Urena in the first pass!
In the last match of the first round, the half-orc Damanjot unseats Sir Numesti in the first pass as well! When Sir Numesti rises to his feet and makes his way to his tent, he spares a look to Lord Drelev, who shakes his head at the knight in disgust before leaving the competition grounds.
Then the semi-finals begin. First up are Sir Paulson and Lord Hoff. It takes two passes, but on the second pass, Sir Paulson sends Lord Hoff to the flat of his back in the dirt!
Next up are Damanjot and Sir Cragsire. The two knights lances strike simultaneously, sending splinters spraying out in a shower of chaos! However, it also sends Damanjot flying back off his horse and landing with a roll along the ground!
Finally, Sir Paulson and Sir Cragsire find themselves squaring off in the lists. The two men's horses gallop at one another in a thunder of hooves, and the knight's lances strike hard against one another's shields. Sir Cragsire manages to shrug his opponent's lance aside, while simultaneously striking Sir Paulson's shield true! The knight from Gralton struggles to remain in the saddle, but eventually falls to the side a few feet later, resulting in Sir Wilburn Cragsire of Taldor to be the champion of this joust!
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With five competitors signing up for the Melee, the competitors all square off simultaneously in the arena. The warriors are:
Lord Dolgrin Girndmar of Nighthelm
Lord Lucas Collinsworth of Brevoy
Lord Jasper Hoff of Brevoy
Sir Terrion Numesti of Drelev
and Lord Maegar Varn of Varnhold
The signal is sounded, and the five combatants begin positioning themselves for combat. It becomes clear that the Lords of Brevoy intend to work together, and as the other three begin sizing the field up, Sir Numesti makes a quick lunge and strikes Lord Varn on the ribs! Lord Varn wheels about, shocked and a bit upset, but moments later laughs it off and throws up his hands as he walks off the field.
Sir Numesti looks to the stands, where Lord Drelev gives a nod of approval. Terrion looks upset with what he had done, but quickly begins sizing up Dolgrin. The pair of Lord's from Brevoy also lunge at the dwarf!
Dolgrin manages to parry aside Lord Hoff's sword, and blocks Lord Collinsworth's large axe with his shield before returning with a strike to Lord Collinsworth's chest with his own steel! Eliminated, Lord Collinsworth storms off the field in a huff.
Three combatants remain, and as Lord Hoff begins to recover from his attack on Dolgrin, he turns to size up what Terrion is doing. The three fighters slowly circle each other, and Terrion makes a lunge at Lord Hoff! Lord Hoff moves to parry, but Sir Terrion is an experienced fighter and diverts his blade and brings it down square on Lord Hoff's helm! The Lord from Brevoy staggers backwards, but recovers soon enough and bows to the Knight from Drelev.
Dolgrin and Terrion then begin exchanging blows. Terrion is faster and well trained, but Dolgrin isn't a slouch himself and manages to keep his shield between himself and the swordsman from Drelev. Eventually, Terrion makes an over-enthusiastic-thrust, and Dolgrin is able to place his foot behind the knight's and push him backwards with his shield, sending Terrion sprawling to the ground! Before he can recover, Dolgrin brings his axe down on his chest, gaining the victory!
Terrion slowly catches his breath, and Dolgrin offers him a hand up. Terrion smiles and accepts, and shakes Dolgrin's hand before raising it up to the cheering crowd. His sportsmanlike attitude fades as he locks eyes with Lord Drelev, who is shooting icy daggers through his champion.
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The final event is the Duel. The names again are chosen at random, and the four initial contests are:
Lord Hanis Drelev of the Drelev Demesne versus Swordlord Sergei Aldori of Mivon
Trine Fervourblade of Restov versus Sir Ameon Trask of the Drelev Demesne
Swordlord Lucius Aldori of Mivon versus Lady Quintessa Maray of Galt
and Lord Galendir d'Arden of Anwaar versus Swordlord Domenicus Aldori of Restov
In the first match, Lord Drelev makes a quick lunge at the overconfident Swordlord, and manages to get two quick strikes in! Reeling from the attack, Sergei makes two quick and sloppy thrusts with his dueling sword, but Lord Drelev parries them aside and retaliates with a third strike to the young Swordlords arm, eliminating him!
The second contest begins with Trine making three quick thrusts at Ameon Trask, two of them striking before the brute can deflect the third. Ameon returns the favor with a powerful strike that Trine is unable to deflect, but the Swordlord is quick to recover and parries the second aside. Before Ameon can recover his footing, Trine brings his blade tip up under the man's chin, and while it doesn't formally strike the man, it causes him to stop moving and it is clear that Trine is the winner.
Lucius and Quintessa then take the field, with the former sneering down at the scantily clad woman with disdain, as if this was beneath him and her opposing him was an insult. Meanwhile, she seemed to take the whole thing with an aloof spirit, seemingly just here for fun. With the duel start given, she gives two quick thrusts with her rapier, which the Swordlord from Mivon bats aside and sends flying before giving her three quick strikes, once to the stomach, the next to the shoulder, and the third to her buttocks, which draws a laugh from the crowd. Quintessa is clearly insulted by her treatment at the hands of this Swordlord, and storms off back to the ranks of the folk from Fort Drelev. Lord Hanis walks over to her and whispers something in her ear.
Finally, Swordlord Domenicus and Lord d'Arden take the stage. Domenicus offers a bow and salute to the crowd as well as to the Lords, his eyes lingering a bit on Lady Flaith. After Galendir makes his own salutations, the two square off...
Flaith would have offered him her hankerchief as token of favor!
Govannon cheers along with the crowd, careful not to support one contestant over another. He remains impartial, even as he gets excited by the events as they unfold. He loves the underlying messages passed back and forth between them - so much intrigue!
At the end, he can't believe how much fun it's all been, even if a little nerve wracking. He looks forward to the next bout, and tries to relax.
Lucius may have fallen asleep at one point. He has no taste for violence. He retired early, leaving his advisers other than the executioner from Minkai to deal with the late festivities.
In fact, as darkness falls, Lucius goes back to his org--er, camp. The dark is dangerous, and the Carnifex hunts.
Galendir takes in the arena getting excited for the display. As he is called up he takes knee in front of his wife. She bends down and ties an embroidered scarf around his sword arm. It is emblazoned with the Barony of the Dawn Heraldry. She kisses his forehead and speaks softly to him. "Fight with honor my love." He stands. Holding his wife's hand. He then looks as the queen presents a favor to her champion. He approaches to address her before the bout.
"My queen I had no idea I would face your champion. If you wish it so I will resign."
He takes his place and studies everything he has trained himself to to as they square off.
Flaith just shakes her head.
"It would be unwise to favor you as my champion, especially as you are married."
Round 1
If we are beside each other at the start:
Round 2
If we did not start beside each other.
Tracking: Used 2 or 3 rounds of performance and 1 2nd level spell.
Galendir strikes Domenicus fast, then easily bats his sword aside and strikes him again! He dodges the young Swordlords second strike before hitting him again in the torso, ending the match in quick flurry!
In the next bout, Drelev strikes Trine once, but his second attack is batted aside. Trine retaliates with two quick strikes of his own! Drelev sneers, and makes a thrust with his blade that catches Trine’s shoulder, and then whirls around in a flourish and brings his blade down hard on the back of Trine’s neck, drawing a gasp from the crowd! Had his blade not been warded, Trine’s head would have been on the floor for certain.
Trine glares at Hanis before offering him a salute with his blade and making his way off the arena floor, joining the other eliminated Restov Aldori.
Next up...Lucius Aldori of Mivon and Lord d’Arden take the arena once again...
"Well his name is a bit derivative!"
Tracking going in to fight 2: 4 rounds of performance, 2 2nd level spells.
Lucius offers you a swordsman’s salute, before taking a stance common to the Swordlords. He then strikes as fast as a viper, his blade catching your shoulder before he spins backwards towards his starting position. Mid-twist, he brings his blade down and then up towards yours, catching it hard near the middle of the blade and knocking it free of your hand! Your sword falls to the ground about fifteen feet away!
He levels his blade your direction, a sly smirk on his face. ”You’ve done well, boy. But it is time to yield.”
__________
"I have a trick or two still"
DC 19
Galendir vanishes and moves to the opposite side of his weapon 20ft away.
Round 2
Pick up weapon. Now he is probably smart and will move to my weapon and ready to attack when I become visible. Though this plays into my hand. If this is what I notice/suspect then to round 3.
Round 3
Round 4
"Lord Aldori you are a swordman of great experience, I did not wish to use my illusion magic but you put me in a tough predicament. I have learned much and hope we can duel again in the future"
”A tactic exposing a weakness. Relying too heavily on magic, and not your own skill,” he says before seeing your sword get lifted up and vanish. He lunges to where you picked it up and swings his blade in a practiced slice, sending your sword flying once again! ”Hiding in the shadows or in a cloak of magic will not avail you, Lord d’Arden. Yield.”
__________
_________
The swordlord goes on the defensive as Galendir reappears, but despite his expertise, is unable to fend off the Baron’s attacks! He saluted as well, though is clearly perturbed. ”I did not expect the Barons of this land to allow magic during the duel. Congratulations, Baron.”
It now comes down to Lord Drelev and Lord d’Arden...
"You bring up a fair point Lord Aldori." Galendir cast ghost sound to amplify his voice.
"Your Majesty. I Galendir D'Arden, baron of your lands may have stained my honor. I have cast magic while in the duel and not in preparation. This was not defined and it seems Lord Aldori was not expecting such. If your Majesty wishes I will step aside and withdraw, as a pure swordsman Lord Aldori is my superior." He bows graciously awaiting Queen Flaiths decision.
Final Fight Same Prep: 9 Rounds of performace used at start, All 2nd level spells cast for day, 3/4 Panache
Galendir makes his salute.
"Seems fitting, I bested Trine to earn his patronage which got me here. I am honored to face you. Best of luck." He bows before the start.
Round 1
Galendir quick to react this time unlike his last fight take the initiative and strikes out.
Baron Drelev is able to deflect and dodge both of Lord d’Arden’s initial attacks! He retaliated with a pair of attacks himself. Having noticed a weakness in Galendir’s style, Hanis strikes Galendir’s weapon hard and sends it flying across the arena once more! Unlike the Swordlord, Hanis presses the attack and slashes at Galendir, though the local Baron is able to sidestep his blow!
__________
"I'm no expert, dear baron, but I DO believe that keeping one's blade is rather a good strategem!"
As soon as Galendir casts invisibility Flaith bursts from her seat.
"Hold this at once.Sir Galendir unveil yourself. The rules were clear, no magic during the melee. You violated the melee and are hereby disqualified.
You shamed me!"
Bowing to Lord Aldori she adds. "I declare you winner!"
Looking at Galendir she continues.
"After the tournament is over, you and I will discuss this!"
"Galendir, magic was forbidden, you knew that.
We are a small country with wolves on our border. Wolves prey on weakness. And we have to show them that we are strong, law-abiding and politely meek to those that are stronger. Personally, I know you are an excellent fighter, and a fighter should use every weapon at his disposal. But alas rules are rules. I had to disqualify you!
You would have beaten this pompous fool 9 times out of 10, he was just stronger in swordmanship, but that does not make him the better or more effective fighter."
She sighs and continues.
"Now feel switched and make a face as if I had given you a scalding like a little baby. This will give our country face, but more importantly this will give you the chance that some people will approach you. Who see you as the falsly accused... etc."
Since we are in private.
"Magic was not forbidden my queen, there was no such rule. Though I understand the swordlords don't duel that way. It was an honor to compete. It is probably best I withdraw and not make the other lords loose face by loosing to me. Do what you need to me publicly."
He bows to her.
Swordlord Lucius Aldori and Baron Hanis Drelev stand opposite one another after Queen Aredhel’s decree. Queen Regent Surtova watches the chiding with amusement, while Baroness Stroon-Drelev observes the whole affair with little interest, duel included.
As the match begins, the Aldori makes two quick lunges at Lord Drelev, but the Baron is quick and skilled. Surprised to fail to land a single blow, he is caught overextended and Hanis lands a pair of strikes! Now on the defensive, he attempts to disarm the Baron as he had done to Galendir. Baron Drelev was prepared and just as skilled in that art, however, and retains his sword and makes the Swordlord pay for it with a final strike to the face that bloodies the Mivon Swordlords nose!
As the crowd cheers for the victory, he visibly basks in the win. However, his wife’s disinterest somber his elation when he notes it. He then makes a final bow before storming off the arena floor, passing his own entourage of Lady Maray, Sir Numesti, and Sir Trask, all of whom are congratulating him heartily, particularly the enthusiastic Lady Maray.
Flaith looks at Galendir and smiles."I see your point, but in it was a duel by blade, not by blade and magic. But you are correct, it was not explicitely stated. Baron Galendir, I have a challenge for you. I would feel very honored if you would accepted it.
Would you and your wife lay down the laws of our lands?"
Sighing deeply she adds.[b]"Sometimes I feel as if we walk a highrope, blindfolded, while juggeling knifes and torches. Be strong, but not to strong. Be polite but show no definite favors. And alas you know what is chipping at our border. At the moment we are weak, what we need is time and good puplicity. To grow strong."
Later Flaith will congratulate the winner and invite all to the prepared feast.
"It would be an honor, I am not held as strict as my wife with her faith so I can lean toward the chaotic nature of things at time. Must be the performer in me, but we ourselves are governing as a Lawful and good barony, but with an open mind. I will work and come up with a code of laws for you my queen."
Galendir approaches the two clapping.
"An honor to watch a true duel among swordlords. I have much to learn and far to go, starting with my grip it appears." He laughs and smiles.
"Please excuse me, I have to go and make sure things are prepared for the feast and entertainment for the night."
He bows and makes his exit.
Govannon isn't quite sure what just happened, though he doesn't remember a prohibition against magical use in the duel. Still, it's a good rule, though it would limit him mightily in such a contest. Perhaps two options next year...
Still, he's pleased at the outcome of the day and works to clean up after the contestants with his labor pool. He thanks everyone who worked for him during the day individually, and does a pretty good job of remembering names, though he does muddle a few. He laughs about it, and apologizes, and tries harder.
When he's done, he rushes to the feast, hoping not to be late to the evenings intrigue.
At the evenings feast, the arrangements are a bit different and the affair is more public. The champions of the events are presented, and are seated at their own specific tables, separated by social class of course. After initial pleasantries, though, it is clear the tone at the table with Dolgrin, Hanis, Sir Cragsire is quiet. Meanwhile, the champions of the common contests are quite jovial and boisterous. After several failed attempts at trying to bolster the mood of his dinner guests, Dolgrin grows frustrated and gets up from the table, making his way to join the more lively group.
When an opportune moment presents itself, Natala Surtova speaks privately to Flaith ”So, tell me. What are your thoughts on the political climate in Brevoy?”
Sir Terrion Numesti approaches Galendir and bows. ”Fine work you showed on the dueling grounds, Lord d’Arden. Shame as to the ruling of your Queen.”
"Many thanks Sir Terrion. It showed a weakness in my form for sure. Perhaps next time I will not need any magic. How are you finding the nights food and entertainment. I hope everything is to your liking. Is there anything I can get for you?"
Flaith leans puts a hand on Natalas arm and shakes her head sorrowfully.
"You would like my opinion on this matter? I think you life in a time full of challenges... and opportunities. When house Rhogarvia vanished without a trace there was an hole on the political stage. Your brother filled it, but the old ties are not all mended. This and the uncertainty causes unrest. This is normal.
Still others see the change of powers as an opportunity and they try to benefit from it. How well you handle this is very hard for me to say. I am quite occupied with my problems, and all we hear are rumours.
And how much shall I trust in rumours?
So, please tell me the latest news. Who is marrying whom, how was the harvest, I heard still no news from the dwarven enclave?
When will your brother marry and produce an heir?"
Govannon enjoys the feasting - who wouldn’t! - and he casts his eyes far and wide throughout the tent. He does tent to find one set of eyes over the others, and when a certain slender lady departs, Govannon grows restless in his seat. He quickly finishes a conversation he was having with the fine lord on his left and stands, making excuses.
He crosses the hall to his chief of staff, Rusty. ”I’m out for the night, but please remain and let me know how the evening ends.” He nods to his priest, and exits the tent.
- - -
”The food and festivities are splendid, Sir. It has been a pleasure to experience your hospitality,” Terrion replies to you. You see him look about the festival tent, and his expression waivers a moment, but he quickly hides his turned mood with a smile and adds ”I hope it is the first of many to come. Perhaps next time Fort Drelev can host the gathering!”
___________
Natala rolls her eyes. ”Sarrona Lebeda is seeking to arrange a wedding between Noleski and her whore of a daughter, Elanna. And my brother is so naive that should that come to pass, the Lebeda’s would run the whole of Brevoy into ruin with their power grab.”
She shakes her head as she sips her wine. ”Though, if Brevoy were to be ruled by someone more wise and cunning...then perhaps civil war could be avoided. I hate to imagine the bloodshed to the various Houses should it come to war...”
_________
It's likely he hasn't seen any of them as yet - he's been so worried by the competition, and he looks forward to Lithandra's company most of all.
- - -
”Lord Gittins, we need to talk,” she says anxiously, her tone not matching the expected outcome of the evening.
His wife yawns and says dismissively, ”Yes, yes I suppose.”
Ameon Trask tears a hunk of meat off of a bone and say, not waiting to clear his mouth, ”Damn shtraight it he did! Hanish ish a better shwordshman than ‘e looksh!” As he speaks, splashes of saliva spatter out from his full gullet.
A moment later, Noumoussa slips back inside and leans in to whisper in your ear...
Lucius nods to Noumoussa, but keeps his eyes on the Drelev folk. "Your people must feel safe knowing their very leader could dispatch enemies himself if needed! It's a shame he ...retired so early. I could do with some instruction! Say, where is Lady Maray? I had questions about how they do things in Galt."
Lady Stroon-Drelev rolls her eyes at the mention of Lady Maray, dismissing herself entirely from the conversation at this point. Ameon Trask shrugs without care, but Imeckus, Lady Stroon-Drelev’s brother, noticeably arches an eyebrow and begins scanning the tent for Lady Maray, who is nowhere to be seen.
He sighs and moves through the thong, er, throng wondering where Lithandra has gotten to. When she grabs him and pulls in into the small space, he's surprised, and his heart is racing a bit faster than he's used to.
He grins when she calls him 'lord', "Oh, no need for that. Govannon is fine between us. Er, what do we need to talk about?" He catches something in her tone, but can't quite place it. It makes him indistinctly uneasy...
- - -